- Today's Word
Truculent
TRUCK-yuh-luhnt
Definition
(adjective) Aggressively defiant or eager to argue or fight.
Example
The truculent debate spiraled into personal attacks within minutes.
Fun Fact
“Truculent” comes from the Latin truculentus, meaning “fierce” or “savage.” Originally used to describe wild beasts or ruthless warriors, it eventually came to characterize hostile personalities or verbally combative behavior. In literature and politics, truculence often signals a character—or candidate—ready to pick a fight, even when diplomacy would serve better.
(adjective) focused on practical results and real-world consequences rather than ideals, theories, or abstract principles.
Instead of arguing over perfect solutions, she took a pragmatic approach and fixed what could be done immediately.
Pragmatic traces back to the Greek word pragmatikos, meaning “relating to deeds or actions,” from pragma (“thing done” or “action”). It entered English in the late 16th century, originally referring to people skilled in managing practical affairs, before evolving into its modern meaning of valuing usefulness and outcomes over theory.